LEAWEF Multilateral Research Programme: Funding Call for Sustainable Water, Energy & Food Solutions

Introduction to the LEAWEF Research Programme

The Long-term Europe–Africa Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) Nexus Multilateral Research Programme (LEAWEF) is a groundbreaking international initiative dedicated to advancing research and cooperation in sustainable resource management. This initiative underscores the interconnected nature of water, energy, and food security, emphasizing integrated solutions that foster sustainability, equity, and resilience.

By leveraging the WEF Nexus approach, the programme aims to optimize resource interdependencies and ensure sustainable transitions in supply and distribution. It provides a vital platform for international collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, promoting long-term solutions to critical global challenges.

Objective of the Call

The interrelationship between water, energy, and food is fundamental to sustainable development. Their production and distribution are intricately linked, necessitating an integrated approach to ensure long-term stability. The LEAWEF call for proposals aims to:

• Strengthen international research cooperation.
• Foster the development of innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Enhance the societal impact of scientific research.
• Identify pathways for rapid and effective sustainability transitions.

Key Research Areas

This funding call aligns with the broader objectives of the LEAWEF programme and focuses on two critical subthemes:

1. Climate Change Adaptation
   • Exploring resilient agricultural and water management practices.
   • Investigating climate-resilient energy sources and systems.
   • Assessing socio-economic implications of climate adaptation strategies.
2. Just Energy Transitions
   • Developing equitable and inclusive energy policies.
   • Promoting renewable energy innovations and accessibility.
   • Integrating community-driven approaches for energy sustainability.

Applicants are encouraged to address one or both subthemes while embedding their research within the broader WEF Nexus framework.

Eligibility and Consortium Requirements

The LEAWEF research programme is open to knowledge institutions, societal stakeholders, and practitioners who are committed to forming multi-disciplinary research consortia. Eligible consortia must:

• Include applicants from at least three participating countries.
• Incorporate at least one practitioner partner from a public, semi-public, or private institution.
• Represent expertise across the entire research spectrum, from fundamental science to applied and practice-based research.

Participating Countries and Funding Organizations

The following countries and their respective funding organizations are supporting this call:

• Burkina Faso: Fonds National de la Recherche et de l’Innovation pour le Développement (FONRID)
• Côte d’Ivoire: Fonds pour la Science, la Technologie et l’Innovation (FONSTI)
• Ethiopia: Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MinT)
• Ghana: Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
• Kenya: National Research Fund (NRF)
• Mozambique: Fundo Nacional de Investigacao (FNI)
• Netherlands: Dutch Research Council (NWO)
• South Africa: National Research Foundation (NRF)
• Tanzania: Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)
• Zimbabwe: Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ)

Key Dates and Milestones

• Information Webinar: 7 October 2024
  • Time: 11:00 – 12:30 CEST/SAST, 12:00 – 13:30 EAT, 09:00 – 10:30 GMT
  • This session will provide details on call conditions, national eligibility, and application procedures. Register Here
• Online Matchmaking Session: 7 November 2024
  • Time: 12:00 – 14:00 CET, 13:00 – 15:00 SAST, 14:00 – 16:00 EAT, 10:00 – 12:00 GMT
  • Designed to connect potential applicants and stakeholders. Attendees will be automatically invited if they register on the B2Match Platform.
• Partnership Request Submission Deadline: 4 November 2024 (14:00 CET)
  • Registered initiatives will be invited to present their ideas during the matchmaking session. Submit a Request Here
• Concept Note Submission Deadline: 11 February 2025 (14:00 CET)
• Full Proposal Submission Deadline: 14 July 2025 (14:00 CEST)

How to Apply

A detailed description of the call, including aims, objectives, and selection criteria, can be found in the Call for Proposals document. Interested applicants must:

1. Formulate a multidisciplinary research consortium.
2. Develop a concept note addressing one or both subthemes.
3. Submit the concept note before the deadline.
4. If selected, proceed with the development and submission of a full research proposal.

Contact Information

For any queries regarding the LEAWEF research programme and funding call, please contact the Joint Call Secretariat at LEAWEF@nwo.nl.

For further details, including full eligibility criteria and application guidelines, visit the LEAWEF Programme Website.